Image matting tool

Image matting tool is a software that acts as a scissor-like tool for cutting out objects from the background.

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Image matting tool is a software that acts as a scissor-like tool for cutting out objects from the background. Image segmentation tools aim at providing a designer with Clear cuts can be found for all objects which are clearly separated fromtheir environment. However, for objects with fuzzy borders and semi-transparent areas, there is not clear outline. The pixels showing those objects are usually a mixture of a foreground- and background color.

In this case, a so-call alpha-channel should be created which defines for every pixel to which degree the background shines through the foreground. Then, the background color should be subtracted. The process which generates this alpha-mat is called image matting.

This application requires the user to define a rough boundary of an object with a large brush. During the drawing, a high-quality segmentation is generated, interactively. Problematic areas can still be edited manually by the user.

Usage:

Start with ./generic image.png

whereas image can e.g., be of the format PNG, JPG, BMP.

MIDDLE MOUSE BUTTON

Before starting the segmentation, click into the middle of the object to be segmented using the middle mouse button. If your object is none-convex, you may want to click into different parts of the object's interior during the segmentation.

LEFT MOUSE BUTTON

With the left mouse button you can then start the segmentation by drawing along the object's silhouette.

RIGHT MOUSE BUTTON

Manually drawing the alpha matte can be done with the right button. If your brush (the brush is not displayed) comes from an opaque area of the image, it will draw with an opaque alpha value, if you start the brush in a transparent area, it will continue to draw transparently.

CHANGE BRUSH SIZE

Using the keys '1' - '4' changes the size of the brush.

TOGGLING BACKGROUND

Use 'b' key to toggle the background between the checkerboard pattern, white and the alpha-channel itself. Displaying the alpha-channel is helpful for brushing up the final result.